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October 22, 2025
San Diego Mesa College Professor of French Uriel Ornelas has been named a Knight (Chevalier) of the Order of Academic Palms (l’Ordre des Palmes académiques), one of France’s highest honors recognizing service to education and culture. The distinction was presented by Adrien Frier, Consul General of France in Los Angeles, during a ceremony at the Résidence de France in Beverly Hills on September 12, 2025.
Established by Napoléon Bonaparte in 1808, the Order of Academic Palms honors individuals who advance French language and culture. Professor Ornelas received the award for his leadership in expanding French studies, building community partnerships, and creating opportunities for students to engage with French-speaking cultures.
“Being named Knight (Chevalier) is not just a personal honor, but a recognition of my students, colleagues, and all those whose support has helped me accomplish so much in San Diego to build bridges between French and American culture,” said Professor Ornelas.
A member of the Languages Department since 2006, Professor Ornelas became a full-time faculty in 2014. He has developed internship partnerships with the Alliance Française de San Diego and the Lycée Français de San Diego, founded the French Virtual Job & Career Center, and led study abroad programs in Paris through Mesa’s International Education Committee.
He also founded the French Angels Project, organized the San Diego French Job & Career Fair, and led a humanitarian mission assisting French-speaking Haitian refugees in Tijuana as President of the San Diego Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of French.
“A key component of excellent language instruction is imparting cultural information from areas where the language is spoken,” said Leslie Shimazaki, Dean of the Languages Department. “Professor Ornelas is a master at immersing students in cultural norms and customs as part of his curriculum. From leading study abroad trips to cooking crepes in the classroom, he provides a rich and engaging learning environment. This distinction is well-deserved, and we are honored to have him as a tenured Professor of French at Mesa.”
Family, friends, and colleagues joined Professor Ornelas at the ceremony, celebrating his contributions to language education and cultural connection.
The honor places him among an international community of educators recognized for advancing the study and appreciation of French language and culture, embodying Mesa College’s mission to prepare students for success in a global society.
Tags: Uriel Ornelas, language department, order of academic palms
Anabell Pulido
Director of Communications
[email protected]
(619) 388-2759
San Diego Mesa College Professor of French Uriel Ornelas has been named a Knight (Chevalier) of the Order of Academic Palms (l’Ordre des Palmes académiques), one of France’s highest honors recognizing service to education and culture. The distinction was presented by Adrien Frier, Consul General of France in Los Angeles, during a ceremony at the Résidence de France in Beverly Hills on September 12, 2025.
